An overhead view as Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks scores a hat trick against the Boston Bruins at SAP Center on February 18, 2019 in San Jose, California

Plenty of Goals Expected in High-Octane Sharks-Penguins Matchup

Led by longtime franchise superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins are bidding for their fifth win in six outings tonight when they welcome the San Jose Sharks to PPG Paints Arena. Sportsbooks opened the Penguins as -120 home favorites with a sky-high total of 7.

Sharks vs Penguins Game Center

Standout Stats

  • Crosby extended his point streak to six games (two goals, 10 assists) in Tuesday’s 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils. Malkin has secured at least a point in his past eight contests (four goals, eight assists). Both Crosby and Malkin were held off the scoresheet in Pittsburgh’s 5-2 setback to San Jose in the last meeting between the teams on January 15, however.
  • San Jose is 6-1-1 SU in February while averaging four goals per game in that span – the second-best mark in the NHL behind only the Chicago Blackhawks. The Sharks have allowed only 2.88 goals per game in eight February tilts.
  • The Sharks have been excellent on the road lately, going 5-0 SU and on the puckline in their previous five road games. During that stretch, they’ve scored 27 goals while surrendering 14.
  • The Penguins have turned into a reliable OVER wager, going OVER in each of their past three with an average combined score of nine goals. The total in each of those games closed at 6.5. Pittsburgh has eclipsed the closing total in six of its last eight meetings with Western Conference opponents.
  • Betting the Penguins puckline when they’ve been tabbed as favorites lately hasn’t been a profitable endeavor, as the Pens are 1-3 on the puckline in their last four as chalk. Sportsbook is dealing Pittsburgh’s -1.5 number for a price of +200 for tonight’s game.

My best bet for Sharks-Penguins

OVER 7

Scoring is way up in the NHL this season, and OVER bettors are profiting as a result. While some puck bettors may be scared off from the extremely high total, it’s been set that high for a reason. Yesterday’s matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings reached 7 on the OVER/UNDER at one point and ended up going OVER thanks to a combined nine goals between the teams. I think we’re going to see a similar story tonight, so take the OVER.

The Sharks are 5-0 SU and ATS in their last five games on the road.away The total has gone OVER in the Penguins’ last three games (avg. combined score: 9.0).home The Sharks are 1-4 SU in their last five games as underdogs vs the Penguins.
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